Harsh Vardhan Shringla was the Chief Coordinator for India’s G20 Presidency in 2023 and the former Foreign Secretary of India. He has also been India’s Ambassador to the United States, and High Commissioner to Bangladesh and Thailand.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Amb. Shringla talks about the recent quota protests in Bangladesh. He looks into whether these protests are just the start of bigger problems for the Sheikh Hasina government and discusses if foreign influences played a role. Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called the protests "almost a terrorist attack" aimed at overthrowing the government.

Ambassador Shringla also shares his views on the U.S. Presidential race. He talks about the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump’s life, Joe Biden’s decision to step down, and why Biden supporting Kamala Harris as his successor is important.

He also covers the political issues in Nepal, focusing on the frequent leadership changes and how they affect India, especially because Nepal shares borders with five Indian states.

Introduction (0:31)

Trump vs. Harris (1:16)

U.S. Campaign Funding (5:42)

Indian Community in the U.S. (9:52)

Biden's Legacy (13:58)

U.S. Afghan Withdrawal (16:04)

Biden's Foreign Policy (19:49)

Bangladesh Quota Protests (25:18)

Who's Behind Bangladesh Protests? (32:05)

1971 B'desh War Against Pakistan (34:33)

Economic Crisis in Bangladesh (36:44)

Sheikh Hasina's China Visit (39:28)

Sheikh Hasina's India Visit (41:25)

Bangladesh-Bengal Connection (45:18)

End of Sheikh Hasina's Rule? (51:13)

Nepal Power Struggle (52:38)

India's Stance on KP Oli (59:32)

KP Oli's 4th Term (1:05:29)

Modi's Russia Visit (1:07:26)